Legend of the Rabbit 

In the ancient times, the Jade Emperor of Heaven held a banquet and invited all of the animals to attend. The attendees in order of arrival were the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

During the banquet, the Jade Emperor announced that he would name a year after each animal based on the order they arrived in. The Rabbit was the fourth to arrive and was given the honor of having a year named after him. This is how the Chinese New Year cycle came to be.

The Rabbit then became a beloved animal, and people began to appreciate its gentle nature. Those born in the year of the Rabbit were considered naturally graceful, sensitive and creative. They also had an infectious sense of humor and were known for their diplomatic abilities.

The Legend of the Jade Rabbit

Another legend of the Rabbit’s origin tells the tale of the Jade Rabbit who lived on the moon. In ancient times, there were ten suns, and the earth was scorching hot. A great archer named Hou Yi shot down nine of the ten suns. As a reward, he was given an elixir which would grant him immortality. However, his wife Chang'e drank the elixir, becoming immortal herself, and floating up to the moon where she could be as close as possible to her husband who was still mortal. 

The Jade Emperor saw the need to have a companion for Chang'e, thus he sent the Jade Rabbit to the moon to be her companion. The Rabbit is said to make the elixir of immortality, while Chang'e lives on the moon alone.

The Jade Rabbit is a significant part of Chinese mythology. People often make moon cakes that have an image of the Jade Rabbit on it during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is the Chinese Moon Festival celebrated in September or early October.

In conclusion, the Rabbit is an important sign in the Chinese zodiac and plays a significant role in many Chinese stories and legends. People born in the year of the Rabbit are believed to inherit the positive attributes of the Rabbit. They are considered to be refined, intelligent and diplomatic individuals. They can also be innovative and have a great sense of humor.